Are You Updating Your Workstations at Least Once a Month?

You may be asking: “Why do I need to update my workstation?” Because viruses and malware are constantly looking for exploits (a general term for any method used by hackers to gain unauthorized access to your computers). They look for areas within the programming code of software where a mistake was made, and a hole […]

Because viruses and malware are constantly looking for exploits (a general term for any method used by hackers to gain unauthorized access to your computers). They look for areas within the programming code of software where a mistake was made, and a hole was left open. Hackers go into these holes and make modifications to your system.

Most recently, we find viruses like the recent WannaCry ransomware, where computers are modified, encrypted, and criminals ransom money from victims so they can get their files back (maybe).

This can happen to a Mac, or PC using Windows. So, what you need to do is patch your operating system.

“Why isn’t this done automatically?”

Some updates are done automatically. On a Mac, you’ll be prompted to update when required. But, sometimes people are too busy to take the time to do this, and they put it off. Plus, a lot of people don’t look for the optional updates, which are sometimes just as important as the critical ones.

How to Manually Check for Updates and Apply Them on a Windows 7 Computer.

Go to the “Start” Menu in the lower left-hand corner (a circle with a flag.) Click the menu to open it, and hover over the word “Computer.” Right-click to open the alternate menu and select “Properties.”

In the System Window that comes up, the lower left-hand corner has an option for “Windows Updates.” Hover over this and click here. You’ll see either a “Check for Updates” button, or you might see updates already listed there. Click “Check for Updates.” (This can take a while for your computer to do—from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.)

Once you get a list of updates, select the ones that you want to install. They’re usually divided into three categories: Critical, Optional and others like Device Drivers. You should select at least the first two.

Once you do, the updates will be downloaded and installed, and you’ll be prompted to restart your computer. After it restarts, go in and do this process one more time (because some updates have prerequisites for others).

When everything is up to date, you’ll get a message saying so.

Remember to do this once a month at the very least. (Put a note on your calendar to do this!) It’s an easy and important way to keep hackers out of your computer.

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RCOR Technologies is a Managed IT Services and Information Technology consulting company based in Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina. RCOR provides IT support services across North Carolina. Cities we serve include Raleigh, Durham, Chapell Hill, Cary, Burlington, Winston-Salem, Clegg, Wake Forest, Fayetteville and the Research Triangle Park. Our certified team of IT professionals knows what businesses need in order to run highly-effective organizations. Technology is a critical ingredient in your recipe for success.